You're not alone if you've ever opened MetaTrader 5 and thought it was either too cluttered, too simple, or simply not you. Although MT5 is really strong, it is rather generic when it comes out of the box. Additionally, having a platform that truly fits your trading style is more than just "nice to have" when you're trading for a prop business, when every choice, every second, and every click counts. It's a significant boost to performance.
Consider it similar to how you set up your desk: some traders prefer simple, uncluttered setups, while others demand six monitors, charts everywhere, and an endless number of indicators. In order to trade organically and intuitively, MT5 allows you to modify nearly everything, including layout, visuals, tools, alerts, templates, and workflow.
Whether you're a multi-asset prop trader juggling everything from forex to commodities, a swing trader seeking a calmer and cleaner interface, or a scalper depending on lightning-fast execution, the following advice will help you shape MT5 to suit your trading style.
Why Customization Matters So Much in Prop Trading
Retail trading and prop trading are not the same. You are subject to rules, evaluation, and pressure to maintain consistency. Additionally, prop firms are severe about errors that result from a single incorrect click, an overcrowded chart, or an unclear setup.
A platform that suits your character.
keeps you concentrated.
decreases self-doubt and speeds up performance.
This boosts your self-assurance in your workflow.
MT5 shouldn't make trading more stressful than it already is.
Start With Your Trading Personality Type
First things first, before you customize MetaTrader 5, you need to know what kind of trader you are. Your "trading personality" is not about who you are as a person, but rather about the way you think, react, analyze, and make decisions in the market.
Here are five common types and how they tend to interact with charts:
The Scalper
Fast, decisive, detail-focused. Scalpers need
- Minimal lag
- One-click execution
- Very neat charts, showing only the essential data
- Alerts that fire instantly
- A layout that is distraction-free
The Day Trader
Active, short-term thinker. They want:
Multiple time frames visible at once
Indicators to confirm
Fast access to order modifications
Clear visuals of trend and volatility
The Swing Trader
Patient, steady and long-term focused. They tend to:
- clean, uncluttered charts
- Higher timeframes: H4, D1, W1
- Risk management tools front and center
- Fewer indicators, more structure
The Algorithmic/EA Trader
Logical, system-driven, hates guesswork. They need:
- Strategy tester shortcuts
- A clear environment for debugging EAs
- Custom scripts and tools loaded automatically
- Notifications instead of constant chart watching
The Multi-Asset Prop Trader
Curious, adaptive, trades everything. They rely on:
- Pre-set profiles for different asset classes
- Color-coded charts
- News and volatility tools
- A workplace that's manageable, organized, without chaos
Knowing who you are helps you customize MT5 with purpose, instead of just adding more clutter.
Clean Up the Workspace: Remove the Noise
MT5 comes with a lot of panels that most traders barely touch. The more unnecessary windows you have open, the more visual noise you're battling.
Ask yourself: Do I really need this window on screen 24/7?
Things traders often hide – and don't miss:
- Toolbox (except order pickers)
- Navigator (only needed when loading indicators/EAs)
- Market Watch: this is still required for scalpers and multi-asset traders
- Depth of Market (depends on your style
A cleaner workspace improves focus, especially when trading under the best prop firm pressure.
Build Chart Templates That Actually Work for You
Your MT5 chart template is your trading "environment"-and it should reflect your personality.
Here’s how different traders approach templates:
Scalper Template
Black or white clean background
Only candles, no extra lines.
Spread indicator visible
Only fast-moving indicators-EMA, VWAP, etc.
One-click trading button on
Grid turned off for clarity
Swing Trader Template
Calmer color scheme to avoid staring fatigue
Key levels drawn clearly
Fibs, channels, and structure tools ready
Higher timeframes default chart
ATR or other similar tools for stop distance
Algo Trader Template
View of clear inputs
Strategy tester docked
No indicators unless necessary
Logs visible when needed
Multi-Asset Template
Different templates for:
- Forex
- Metals
- Indices
- Crypto
- Color-coded candles of each asset class
Once you've built your perfect template, save it so that you can apply it instantly to any chart.
Customize Hotkeys for Speed and Comfort
Your hotkeys should match your workflow, not the default settings.
For example,
Scalpers often bind:
- Buy/Sell
- Close all trades
- Modify order
- Switch timeframes instantly
Swing traders set hotkeys for:
- Drawing tools: trendline, rectangle
- Switching to higher timeframes
- Zooming quickly
algo traders create shortcuts for:
- Strategy Tester
- Reloading indicators/EAs
- Toggling the terminal window
If you find yourself clicking the same things over and over, bind them to a key. Muscle memory beats mouse-clicks every time.
Utilize Profiles to Separate Strategies and Assets
The most underrated feature on MT5 is profiles.
Think of profiles as “entire workspaces” you can swap instantly. If you're a multi-strategy or multi-asset prop trader, this is a game-changer.
Examples of profile settings:
Evaluation profile
Clean charts
Strict risk indicators
Only assets allowed in the evaluation
Scalping profile
Fast charts
DOM window
Market watch with spreads visible
Swing trading profile
Timeframes H4 and D1
Economic calendar minimized
Weekly levels drawn
EA testing profile
Strategy tester docked
Expert logs visible
Debug windows open
Switching profiles keeps you organized and prevents you from mixing strategies, which is often the reason traders fail prop challenges.
Tailor Alerts to Fit Your Emotional Style
Every trader has a different emotional relationship with alerts.
Some like loud, in-your-face alarms.
Others prefer a gentle indication.
MT5 allows you to customize the following:
- Alert type: sound, pop-up, email, push
- Conditions (price touches X, indicator crosses Y)
- Volume
- Frequency
- Asset-specific alerts
If you easily get triggered:
Instead, use softer tones or push notifications.
If you tend to zone out:
Use louder, more frequent alerts.
If you're trading long-term setups: Use email or push notifications so you're not glued to the screen. It should calm, not alarm you.
Add or Remove Indicators Based on Your Personality
Too many indicators = chaos. Too few indicators = uncertainty. Your personality, really, determines the best balance. Minimalist mindset? Use price action + a single confirmation tool. Analytical thinker? Use indicators that build a story: RSI + MACD Volume + trend indicator Market structure tools Overthinker? Cut your indicators in half-seriously. Keep in mind: indicators should support your style, not define it.
